Novak Djokovic on Australian Open entry list as Serb sees Australians' three-year ban lifted

Novak Djokovic is on the entry list for the Australian Open after his three-year ban on entering the country was lifted by authorities. The Serb was automatically given the ban after being sent off on the eve of the tournament this year due to his vaccination status, but is now set to compete again in 2023.

Djokovic is the most successful player in Australian Open history having won the title nine times, but has been banned from playing this year after his visa was revoked twice after authorities decided that his presence would "excite anti-vax sentiment" in the country. . All those deported from Australia are automatically banned from returning to the country for three years, but have the right to appeal.

The 35-year-old protested the decision and found out he was successful last month which means he can challenge for the trophy again. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles overturned the ban.

Djokovic has now been included in the entry list for the competition which begins on January 16 and will face rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Nick Kyrgios and longtime rival Rafael Nadal.

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The Spaniard took advantage of Djokovic's absence to claim the title earlier this year, beating Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the final. His success means he now holds one more Grand Slam victory than the Serb, which the world No. 5 will look to overturn in Melbourne as the battle to be considered the greatest tennis player of all time rages on. intensifies.

Speaking after the decision was made, the reigning Wimbledon champion explained his relief and joy at being able to compete again.

“I was very happy to hear the news yesterday,” Djokovic told reporters during the ATP Tour Finals. "It was obviously a relief to know what me and the people closest to me have been through this year with what happened in Australia and after Australia obviously... I couldn't get better news for sure.

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"Knowing that I now have clarity, what I'm doing in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course relieved some of the pressure that me and my team were feeling. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us.

“The Australian Open was my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I made some of the best memories there. Of course I want to go back, I want to play tennis, do what I'm doing the best I hope to have a great Aussie summer."